Activities for Families at Aesthetica
Families are at the heart of Aesthetica Film Festival 2025, taking place from 5–9 November. York will transform into a hub of creativity and imagination, offering children and parents experiences they cannot find anywhere else in the city. From films and workshops to VR, games, music, and interactive events, the festival creates a safe and inspiring space where families can explore new ideas together, share discoveries, and spark the creativity of the next generation.
Film Screenings
Our Family Friendly screenings present films for children and adults alike. The programme features a mix of U and PG films, across charming animation, laugh-out-loud comedy and captivating drama. Themes include the joy of connection, everyday adventures and the highs and lows of growing up. You’ll meet characters who face their fears and stand up for what matters. These films hail from across the globe, sparking imagination, empathy and conversation amongst audiences of all ages.
Kids’ Filmmaking and Games Workshops
Create your own mini movie. Learn how to code games. Develop your skills in stop-motion animation. Inspire your children this November. We believe in nurturing children’s creativity. This year, we are offering 7-14 year-olds the opportunity to develop, direct and make their own stop-motion animations, games and live action films. Workshops are delivered in partnership with Grand Central Trains, and are led by experts at Hijinx, ComputerXplorers and Pauline Quirke Academy. Workshops take place 8 – 9 November at York St John Creative Centre. Each session is £12, or you can book a Kids’ One Day + Workshop Pass for £35.
Special Events
There is so much to discover across the festival for all ages. Notably, our VR & Games Labs at the National Centre for Early Music invite the whole family to immersive themselves in new worlds. Try out VR headsets or play arcade games, puzzles, point-and-click adventures, simulators and RPGs. You can also share the joy of live performance with the New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal, featuring 10 breakthrough acts. Plus, there are Fringe performances taking place in various venues across the city. You can also visit the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and get inspired by what’s happening in York across art, design and technology.
Aesthetica Film Festival runs 5-9 November in York, UK. To purchase your pass, click here.
To download our Family Friendly leaflet, click here.
To download the festival programme, click here.
